Electronic television program guide schedule system and method including virtual channels

IS 2 173 291 T3

DESCRIPTION

System and method for planning an electronic television program guide that includes virtual channels.

Background of the invention

This invention relates to an electronic program scheduling system, which provides a user with scheduling information for broadcast or cable broadcast programs viewed by the user on a television receiver. More particularly, it relates to an improved electronic program guide that provides the user with a more powerful and convenient operating environment, while, at the same time, increasing the efficiency of user navigation through the guide.

Electronic program guides for television systems are known in the art. For example, an earlier system used an electronic character generator to present planning textual information on the full screen of a television receiver. Other prior systems presented a user with electronically stored program planning information for viewing while allowing the user to select display formats. Even other programs used a data processor to enter user selection criteria, then storing only the program planning information that met those criteria, and later using the stored information to automaotically tune a programmable tuner, or to activate a device. recording at the time of broadcasting of the selected television programs. Such prior systems are generally discussed in the document "Stay Tuned for Smart TV," published in the November 1990 issue of Popular Science.

On the whole, the previous electronic program systems can be difficult to implement and inconvenient to use. Nor do they provide viewing capabilities that more realistically direct the viewing habits of users of these electronic program systems. In addition, many of these systems are complex in design and expensive to implement. Ease of use and cost savings are primary goals of television program distributors and viewers as they see dramatic increases in the number and nature of program networks and other television-based services. And, since the number of television channels available to a user increases dramatically with the advent of new cable and satellite-based technologies, the usefulness of these older systems is substantially reduced.

These earlier electronic guide systems also have no ability to link the user to other applications or information systems that are not part of the data or electronic program guide application.

The electronic guides of previous programs also lack a method for electronically creating a viewing schedule, while viewing a program that is currently appearing on the television receiver. Also, these earlier program guides leave a lot of guesswork for the user when browsing through a sequence of channels. When browsing the channels in order to check the program that was being viewed on some channel, commonly called “channel surfing”, the user needs to guess what program was currently being launched from the video found when the user surfs through the channels. . Since much programming, in some cases, up to 30%, of what appears on any given channel, at any one time, is advertising or other commercial programming, the user is not provided any clue as to what program was appearing on a selected channel. at any given time and therefore, you must wait until the advertisement or commercial information has finished before finding out the program that will then appear on the selected channel. Therefore, a program guide is needed that presents planning information for the current program for each channel, as the user surfs through the available channels.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a simplified electronic program planning system that can be more easily implemented, and is attractive and efficient in operation. There is also a need to provide the user with an electronic program planning system that displays both broadcast programs and electronic planning information in a way not previously available with other electronic program planning programs, particularly those that use a remote control. from distance.

There is also a need for an electronic program guide that functions as a support or window to provide the user with the ability to access other applications or information systems that are not part of the electronic program guide application or data.

There is also a need for an electronic programming guide that provides a user with a simple interface to access other services provided by various programming sources, such as nearby on-demand video services, digital music services, electronic game programming and services. that provide news and information.

An object of the present invention is to provide the user with current programming information of all the programs while the user surfs through the available channels.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic programming guide that uses virtual channels to simplify the interface to access various digitally distributed services.

These and other objects of the invention have been achieved by means of a television system as defined in claim 1 of the accompanying claims and by a method for displaying information by a user as established in claim 16 of the claims

ES 2 173 291 T3 attached.

WO 94/21085 (Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.) provides a way for the user to tune into a particular channel and be automatically redirected to another predefined channel that is currently broadcasting content that is related to the content associated with the channel number that the user originally tuned in. Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing various components of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the combination of program and scheduling information by the video overlay device used in the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 depicts a remote control that can be used in connection with the preferred embodiment of the electronic program guide system of the present application.

Figure 4 represents an alternative embodiment of the remote control shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 shows an overlay that appears on a television screen following a mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a menu that appears on a television screen in the MENU mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6A is another menu that appears on a television screen in MENU mode.^toof operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 depicts a Viewer Preference Menu appearing on a television screen following one aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 shows a Preferred Channel selection submenu.

Figure 9 shows an incentive command menu, which appears on a television screen following one aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 shows a Premium Services submenu that appears in one mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 shows a graphical overlay appearing on a television screen in the BROWSE (CURIOSE) mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 shows a graphical overlay appearing on a television screen in the BROWSE mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which has different information than that shown in Figure 11.

Figure 12A shows a graphical overlay appearing on a television screen in the BROWSE mode of operation in the present invention, presenting scheduling information for a time and channel other than those shown in Figure 11.

Figure 13 shows a graphical overlay appearing in the REMINDER mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 also shows another graphical overlay appearing in the REMINDER mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 is also another menu that appears on a television screen in MENU mode.^to of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 is also another menu that appears on a television screen in MENU mode.^to of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 is also another menu that appears on a television screen in MENU mode.^to of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 18 shows a schedule information grid listing in the All Listings mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 19 shows planning information presented in the Listings By Category mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 20 shows the scheduling information displayed in the Listings By Channel mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 21 shows the information presented in response to a user request for supplemental programming information.

Figure 22 shows the video programming, ordering and promotional information presented in the Pay-Per-View mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 23 shows a sort submenu used in conjunction with the mode of operation shown in Figure 22.

Figure 24 also shows another submenu used in conjunction with the operating mode shown in Figure 22.

Figure 24A also shows another ordering submenu used in conjunction with the mode of operation shown in Figure 22.

Figure 25 shows another schedule information grid listing displayed in the All Listings mode of operation of the present invention.

Figure 26 shows a submenu of Premium Services that appears in one mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 27 shows a Messages menu that appears in one mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 28 shows examples of messages used in relation to the menu in Figure 27.

Figure 28A is an alter message menu

IS 2 173 291 T3 native.

Figure 29 shows billing information used in relation to the menu in Figure 27.

Figure 30 shows a Key Lock Access menu that appears during one mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 31 shows a menu that appears in relation to the Interactive Television mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 32 shows the information that appears in a Quote Watch menu in relation to the Interactive Television operating mode shown in Figure 31.

Figure 33 shows other information that appears in relation to the Interactive Television operating mode shown in Figure 31.

Figure 34 is a menu showing information appearing in a news presentation in the Interactive Television operating mode of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 35 is a menu showing information that appears in a sports presentation in the Interactive Television operating mode of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 36A-D is a flow chart showing the operational logic required for the implementation of a computer program for the electronic program guide.

Figure 37 is a menu showing a Locator screen for locating channel numbers and defining favorite channel lists.

Figure 38 is an alternative menu that can be used in the MENU mode of operation of the electronic program guide.

Figures 38A and 38B show, respectively, an alternate main menu screen and a list-by-time screen, accessible from the alternate main menu.

Figure 39 is a Lockout menu that can be used alternatively to allow or prohibit access to certain programs.

Figure 40 is a Setup menu that can be used to set text position and an acquisition code for enhanced and pay-per-view programming.

Figure 40A shows an example menu for entering a lock code.

Figures 40B to 40E show, respectively, examples of menus for entering, confirming, deleting or changing an acquisition code.

Figure 41 is a Lockout Verify menu that is used in conjunction with the Lockout menu in Figure 39.

Figure 42 is a flow chart showing the performance of the preferred embodiment of the text adaptation system of the present invention.

Figure 43 shows an embodiment of a DMX channel 40 virtual channel television screen display (digital music service).

Figure 44 shows an alternate embodiment of a DMX channel 40 virtual channel television screen display incorporating a LISTEN ("Listen") function.

Figure 45 shows another alternative embodiment of a DMX channel 40 virtual channel television screen display incorporating a LISTEN function and a LOOK AHEAD ("Look Ahead") function.

Figure 46 shows an embodiment of a LOOK AHEAD television screen display for a virtual channel DMX service.

Figure 47 shows an embodiment of a FLIP mode television screen display for a virtual channel DMX service. Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

Configuration system

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing various components of the electronic program planning system generally designated 10. Physically, these system components may be located in a user, or other high-determination cable converter box. signal processing or receiving device, such as a satellite receiver. Alternatively, the components may be mounted in a separate housing, or included as part of a television receiver, VCR, personal computer, or media player; or reside, as a classified application, in a broadband network architecture.

An input signal 11 is connected to a receiver 12, which receives a data stream transmitted from a data provider. The data stream may contain, for example, information about programs or services available in a particular geographic or other market. The input signal 11 may originate, for example, as part of a standard broadcast, satellite broadcast or transmission, or other form of data transmission. The data provider is a program information provider, satellite link manager, local cable operator, or a combination of these sources, and the data stream contains scheduled program information for all television programs and programs. other services available in the operator's geographic market.

The data stream can be modulated and transmitted over cable in any of a number of ways, including as part of a dedicated channel transmission operating at a frequency of, for example, 75 MHz. Those skilled in the art will understand that others can be used. numerous transmission schemes for transmitting the data stream, such as sandwiching it in a vertical blanking interval of a program broadcast signal. As will be discussed in greater detail in the following, in accordance with the present invention, the transmitted data stream may additionally contain application software to implement or update the electronic program guide at the user site.

IS 2 173 291 T3

The transmitted program scheduling data or application software is received at receiver 12 with signal input line 11. The received signal is passed from the receiver to a data demodulator 13, such as a QPSK demodulator or a GI Info-Cipher 1000R, which demodulates the transmission and passes it to a buffer 15.

A microcontroller 16, such as an M68000EC, receives the data passed to the buffer memory 15. The operating software of the instruction sequence, which can be used to capture updates of the electronic program guide application software, is stored in a memory 17 read-only (ROM). The microcontroller 16 uses the received program scheduling information to form a database by storing the data in appropriately organized registers in a dynamic random access memory 18 (DRAM). The stored planning information can be updated on a periodic basis, such as by the hour, by the day or by the week, or at any time when planning changes or other factors warrant an update. The system also includes a system clock 19.

Alternatively, the program scheduling information could be supplied on a ROM, disk, or other non-volatile memory, or it could be downloaded to a data storage disk. The present invention is not directed to the particular method of transmission or reception of planning information.

If the microcontroller 16 recognizes the received data as application software that controls the program planning system, as opposed to the program planning information, it stores it in non-volatile memory, such as an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM). ) or a Battery Maintained Static RAM (SRAM). This configuration allows revised or replacement versions of the application software to be downloaded directly from the software developer to the user's location, via cable or another transmission system.

In case an EEPROM is used, the revised or replacement versions of the application software downloaded from the developer are first stored in a DRAM 18 by means of the microcontroller 16, under the direction of the download operating software stored in ROM 17 The stored application software can then be checked for accuracy by, for example, a control total analysis or other verification routine.

Once the accuracy of the application software has been verified, the microcontroller 16 initiates a routine to reprogram the EEPROM 20, in which the application software is permanently stored. Microcontroller 16 issued appropriate control commands to a reprogram circuit 21 that is adapted to supply appropriate program voltage and control logic signals 22 required to erase and write to the EEPROM. It supplies this program voltage voltage, Vprog, as well as any other control signals that are required, such as to allow reading or writing in EEPROM 20, with the command of the microcontroller 16. After the EEPROM 20 has been Electric erased, microcontroller 16 initiates transfer of new application software from DRAM 18 to EEPROM 20 for storage.

When using a battery-maintained SRAM as non-volatile memory, the microcontroller stores the revised or replacement version of the application software downloaded from the developer directly to the SRAM, again under the direction of the download operating software stored in the ROM. Stored application software can then be checked for accuracy, for example by means of a control total analysis or another verification routine.

When power is first applied to system 10, the instruction sequence operating software verifies that the program guide application software is memory resident. If not resident, the instruction sequence operating software waits for a software download. Once the application software is resident, the microcontroller 16 executes the application program software from a dedicated portion of the DRAM 18. Alternatively, the application software can be run directly from non-volatile memory 20. Under control of the program guide application software, the microcontroller 16 first verifies that the program planning information is resident in DRAM 18. If it is not resident, the microcontroller waits for a download of the program planning information. program, as discussed above. Alternatively, if the application program was memory resident, but the database records containing the program planning information are not yet available, the application software can be configured to perform other tasks, such as enabling the user to carry out functions that do not require the program planning information data, as well as the display of an appropriate message indicating that the data in the database is not yet available.

When the scheduling system is operational, as discussed in greater detail below, the microcontroller 16 takes the program scheduling information stored in the DRAM 18 and, along with other types of downloaded data such as stored bitmaps for screen settings and logo or graphic symbol displays stored in non-volatile memory 20 or, alternatively, in DRAM 18, supplies it to a video display generator (VDG) 23, which, in the present embodiment, may consist of a commercially available VGA type graphics card, such as a Roctec card manufactured by RocTec. The VDG includes a standard RGB video generator 24, which takes the digital program planning information sent by the microcontroller 16, and converts it to an RGB format according to the bitmap.

ES 2 173 291 T3 for displaying the particular screen that is then being displayed to the user on the television receiver 27. The configuration of each screen is shown and discussed later, in more detail, in the System Operation section.

The VDG also includes a Video Overlay Device 25, which accepts RGB video input, as well as input from a conventional television tuner 28, such as a conventional tuner manufactured by General Instruments, or a Jerrold DPBB tuner that supplies a program signal in standard NTSC video format. The overlay device 25 converts and combines the RGB signal with the signal from the tuner 28, and produces a composite NTSC output signal containing both the program signal and the program planning information, as shown in Figure 2. This composite video signal is fed to a modulator 26, shown in Figure 1, which can be a modulator such as that available at Radio Shack, and then to the television receiver 27, which keeps the user tuned to the modulated channel, for example channel 3 and 4. The composite video signal can also be fed directly to the television receiver 27, or other receiving device, from the VDG, through a video port 25A on the VDG.

The system components identified in relation to Figure 1 can be fully implemented on a preferred platform using, for example, an IBM personal computer equipped with a transmission link and a video graphics card, of the type manufactured by Roctec. . Other platforms could also be used, such as a cable converter box equipped with a microprocessor and memory, or a broadcast network. Examples of particular components are as follows: Microcontroller (Motorola part mim. MC68331-16); ROM (Texas Instrument, part no. TMS27PC512); DRAM (Texas Instrument, part number TM 4256); EEPROM (INTEL part number 28F001BX-T). In any case, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the particular details of the hardware components and the data storage are a function of the particular implementation of the system, and do not constitute the object of the present invention.

As discussed in detail below, the user can navigate through the program planning system with a remote control, such as the one depicted in Figure 3, which operates on conventional principles of transmitter logic. remote control receiver, such as by infrared or other signaling, or other suitable user interface. The remote control 31 communicates with the microcontroller 16 through the remote control receiver 29 shown in Figure 1, which may be an IR Silent Partner receiver, and which receives signals transmitted by the remote control 31, and supplies the controller 16 a corresponding digital signal indicating the key pressed by the user.

A remote control suitable for the present invention, such as that shown in Figure 3, which may be a remote control manufactured by Universal Electronics of Presentation Electronics' Silent Partner, may include a power switch 32 and control controls. volume 33 and mute 34, one 35 ENTER key, 36 digit 0-9 keys, four directional arrow keys 37A and 37B, one 38 mode key, and an information key 39 which is designated with a lowercase "i". The keys for power 32, volume 33 and mute 34, operate in the same way as in conventional remote controls typically used in today's television receivers. The numeric digit keys 36 also function in much the same way as conventional remote controls. A brief description of the remaining keys is given below.

The MODE key 38 is taken by the user through various layers of the electronic program planning system 10 and generally allows the user to return to a previous screen when this is in a submenu. The up / down arrow keys 37 A allow the user to navigate through the different TV program channels when the program planning system is in FLIP or BROWSE mode, as will be more fully described below and they also allow the user to navigate through brightly lit bars, displayed on the TV screen when in MENU mode. The left / right direction arrow keys 37B allow the user to navigate through selected time periods when the program planning system is in BROWSE mode, as will also be described below. They also allow the user to navigate through categories of the object while in the "Categories" submenu of MENU mode.^í as well as navigating through time periods when the schedule planning system is in pay-per-view sort mode and generally navigating in left or right directions to select the various icons and other objects . Information key 39, or "i", allows the user to view supplemental program and other information during the various modes of the program planning system. The ENTER key 35 complies with, and enters, a command once the user has made a selection from the remote control keys. The function and operation of these keys will be more clearly explained in the detailed discussion of the FLIP, BROWSE and MENU modes that follows.

A second embodiment of the remote control 40 is shown in Figure 4. This embodiment of the remote control also includes a power key 41, keys 42 with numeric digits, keys 43A and 43B for directional arrows, key 48 for information, key 44 ENTER or SELECT or OK, volume control 45, lock key 45A, mute keys 46 and help key 48A. It also includes pound and asterisk keys.

This embodiment of the remote control also includes several icon keys 47A and 47B, which correspond to different submenuis or modes of the remote control.

ES 2 program planning system. Icons 47A and 47B may also be displayed on the TV screen when the program planning system is operating. The icon keys essentially replace the MODE key 38 used in the remote control embodiment shown in Figure 3. Using these keys, the user can move from one mode to another, simply by pressing the icon key corresponding to the desired operating mode of the program planning system. In the embodiment of Figure 4, icons 47A and 47B are depicted as graphic symbols located directly above a corresponding color-coded key. Alternatively, the color-coded keys could be removed, and the keys could be shaped into the image of the icon itself.

The remote control embodiment shown in Figure 4 also includes three color-coded, viewer-preferred or favorite channel keys 48A, 48B, and 48C that are located directly above the icon keys. Each of these keys indicates to the program planning system, a different list of "Channel Preference" or "Favorite Channel" created for the user, which consists of a list of a specific subset of channels for a particular user, arranged in the sequential order that the user wishes to see during the performance of the program planning system. The creation of the Channel Preference or Favorite Channel list is discussed in the next section. Thus, the system provides at least three individual channel subsets for three individual users.

The remote control of Figure 4 may also be equipped with a HELP ("HELP") key 48A, which, when pressed, causes the microcontroller 16 to retrieve previously stored instruction messages from memory and causes that are presented on the television receiver 27. These messages provide user assistance in the form of instructions that guide the user through the operation of the various operating modes of the electronic television program guide. They can be text messages or instructional video images, or audio programs, depending on the storage capacity of the system, or any combination of them. In addition, these help messages can be created to be context sensitive, that is, the displayed messages are entirely dependent on the precise point in the electronic program guide actuation at which the user presses the help key 48A. For example, information could be provided regarding the actuation of the remote control, the actuation in FLIP or BROWSE mode (discussed below), or any other mode of actuation of the guide, for command with incentive, to establish a lock, etc. In order to accomplish this, each operating point of the guide could be coded so that the microprocessor can track the current operating point, for example, temporarily storing the code that reflects the present operating point as the user operates the guide. When he used

291 T3 12 or not press the help key 48A, the microcontroller 16 could retrieve an appropriate set of messages based on the currently stored operating point code. Additionally, the 39 "i" key could be used to carry out the help key function.

Additionally, each of the remote control functions can also be integrated into a keypad in the user cable box or other hardware.

System performance

When operational, the electronic program planning system of the present invention works as follows.

Flip mode

When the user is watching a particular program channel on the television receiver, the program planning system is by default in FLIP mode, as shown in Figure 5. In this mode, a graphical overlay containing programming information for the channel currently tuned to the tuner is superimposed in an overlapping relationship with a signal 55 received from the program on the television receiver 27 screen, whenever the viewer changes the channel program settings, for example, by using up / down directional arrows on the remote control. The video overlay device 25, as shown in Figure 1, combines the computer generated RGB video graphic overlay information with the program signal in NTSC format from the tuner 28, and supplies an output signal in NTSC format, which includes the program signal from the tuner and the overlay information of the program planning, for viewing on the television receiver 27.

The programming information contained in the graphic overlay 51 is supplied to the RGB video generator by means of the microcontroller. In FLIP mode, the microcontroller first searches the program scheduling database, for example, in DRAM 18 to retrieve scheduling information for the currently tuned channel 52, corresponding to the current moment; that is, the moment the user has just turned on the television receiver for viewing. Microcontroller 16 then supplies current channel and program information to RGB video generator 24, which converts the digital data information to RGB format, and supplies it to video overlay device 25.

In normal operation, the microcontroller 16 presents by default all the channels offered by the cable company arranged primarily in numerical order, which is determined by the position of the broadcast channel in the radio spectrum or the marketing criteria of the radio operators. local cable. Using a "Channel Preference" submenu, or an alternative "Locator" screen, discussed below, the user can review the content and / or the sequential order of the channels presented to the television receiver 27.

In general, if the user does not generate a channel change instruction, or other command,

ES 2 173 291 T3 from the remote control 40 within a predetermined time interval while in FLIP mode, the microcontroller 16 instructs the VDG 23 to remove the graphic overlay 51 from the television receiver, thus presenting only a program signal 55 to the television receiver 27 for viewing. The length of the predetermined time interval is such that it provides the user with sufficient time to read the scheduling information contained in the overlay. The duration of the predetermined time interval during which the graphic overlay 51 appears is stored in a location in a non-volatile memory 20, addressable by the microcontroller 16. The user can change the length of the time interval by first entering a Spectator Preference mode, and then selecting an “overlap interval” entry. The microcontroller 16 then causes a user ready to be presented on the screen to, for example, seek the user to select an appropriate time period for the display of the graphic overlay on the screen. Using the numeric keys, the user can enter an appropriate response, for example, a period between 5 and 60 seconds, and then press ENTER. The new interval period is then read and stored by microcontroller 16 at the overlap time interval position, in memory.

If the user generates a channel change command from the remote control 40, before or after the overlap period has elapsed, they will be predetermined, either with the use of the up / down direction arrows 43A, or with the entering a desired channel number using the numeric keys 42 and then pressing the ENTER key 44, the microcontroller 16 will cause the tuner 28 to perform the tuning of the desired channel, either the channel immediately before or after the current channel when the up or down arrow 43A is used or the user enters the specific channel with the numeric keypad, and it will also immediately search and cause the current program information to be displayed for that channel. Thus, as the user moves through the channels, the program planning information for any selected channel automatically appears on the graphic overlay 51 while the actual program 55, which appears on the selected channel at that particular time, takes up the rest of the screen.

The system can also be configured to display an error message, such as an audible beep or display text indicating invalid keystrokes, if the user presses both the left and right arrow keys. right while in FLIP mode.

BROWSE mode

To start the BROWSE mode, the user presses the MODE switch once while in FLIP mode when using the first embodiment of the remote control 31 shown in Figure 3. Using the second embodiment of the remote control 40 shown in Figure 4 , the user must press the button below the BROWSE icon 47A.

In BROWSE mode, the user is provided with the ability to scan any channel through program planning information, including, but not limited to, the channel being watched, while still watching the program at the same time. previously selected TV station. As shown in Figure 11, in this mode, the graphic overlay information that appears in FLIP mode is replaced with programming information for the channel being browsed, which may or may not be the channel that is currently being browsed. currently viewing the user. After the user generates the command from the remote control 40 to enter the BROWSE mode, a graphic overlay 111 is generated, as in FLIP mode, with program planning information for the currently tuned channel 112, and an indicator 113 BROWSE textual to remind the user of the currently active mode, as shown in Figure 11.

If the user presses any of the up or down arrow keys on the remote control 40 while in BROWSE mode, the program planning information for any previous or next channel is displayed in the graphic overlay portion 111 on the screen. screen 27 of the television receiver, while the tuner stays tuned to the channel program that appeared on the television receiver at the time the user entered the BROWSE mode, as shown in Figure 12, and continues to appear that way. Each successive press of the up or down arrow key produces the corresponding program schedule information for the selected channel. The graphic overlay may also include a small video window to show the actual video feed from a currently broadcast program, or a clip from a future program corresponding to the planning information that appears later in the BROWSE overlay. In this way, the user can simultaneously scan program planning information for all channels while continuously viewing at least one selected program on the television receiver. With the advent of sophisticated television receivers, it may become possible to simultaneously present multiple broadcast programs on a single screen for viewing, or split the screen to show, for example, broadcast programs in combination with advertisements. The BROWSE feature can be used in any of these situations.

If, at any time during the exploration of the program planning information in BROWSE mode, the user wishes to tune the television receiver 27 from the program channel indicated in the planning information of the graphic overlay, simply press the 44 ENTER button. , and tuner 28 is tuned to that channel. If the user does not want to watch another channel and wants to exit the BROWSE mode, thus eliminating the graphic overlay 111 with the planning information.

In the 2 program cation, you need to press the MODE key twice in the first realization of the remote control. The first press of the MODE key takes the user to MENU mode, which is discussed below, and the second press will take the user to FLIP mode. Once in FLIP mode, the graphic overlay will be removed after the duration of the allowed time interval has elapsed. In the second embodiment of the remote control shown in Figure 4, the user makes use of the BROWSE icon key to deactivate the BROWSE mode.

When the user first enters the BROWSE mode and begins to scan the channels, the schedule information that appears in schedule portion 111 describes the programs that are currently playing on any particular signal. In order to view the information during earlier or later moments, the user uses the direction arrows 43B to the right or to the left. As a consequence, the system will display future scheduling planning information for the particular channel previously selected by the up and down arrows, whether it is the channel currently being viewed or any other available channel. The planning information presented includes the name of the program and the time of start / stop of the program. The present realization of the system, in order to conserve memory, will not allow the user to view the programming information for a time prior to the current moment. The system could easily be modified in order to provide such information if adequate memory is made available. It may be desirable, for example, to allow a user to view the planning information at an earlier time in order to find a particular exhibit and then to allow the user to command the microcontroller in order to find and display future emission arrows from the station. on display, or the microcontroller can simply do this automatically.

When viewing program planning information for a future time in BROWSE mode, the displayed time of broadcast 121 of the particular exhibit 122 becomes brighter, as well as the channel number and service indicator 123, as shown. shown in Figure 12A. Such brightly lit information reminds the user that they are viewing program planning information for a future time. Also, when viewing program schedule information for a future time on any particular channel in BROWSE mode, pressing the channel up arrow key on the remote control 40 causes the schedule schedule information to appear. programming for the next channel, which corresponds in time to the future moment that was being viewed before the up key was pressed by the user. The direction channel arrow key 43B

291 T3 16 down, works identically in this mode.

If while viewing the program planning information for a future time in BROWSE mode, the user presses the ENTER key on the remote control, the microcontroller 16 will instruct the VDG 23 to present a REMINDER overlay message 130 which, will follow shown in Figure 13, it is displayed as a second overlay 131 appearing above overlay 132 BROWSE. This REMINDER message 130 asks the user as to whether the system should remind the user, at a predetermined time prior to the start of the selected program, if he or she would like to watch the selected program, as shown in Figure 13. If the user answers affirmatively, the microcontroller 16 stores the reminder data consisting of at least the channel, the time and the day of the selected program in a reminder buffer, which contains similar scheduling information for all the programs for which the user has set the reminder. At a predetermined time prior to the start time of the selected program, for example, five minutes, the microcontroller 16 will retrieve the scheduling information, including the title and service, based on the reminder data, and instruct the VDG 23 to present a REMINDER overlay message 140 on the television receiver 27, as shown in Figure 14, to remind the user to pre-set a reminder to monitor the selected program. The REMINDER message 140 contains the channel, service, and start time. It also presents the number of minutes prior to the broadcast of the particular exhibition, and updates the presentation every minute until the time of broadcast. The REMINDER message 140 also presents a "TUNE" ("TUNE") question, which asks the user if they would like to tune into the selected program. When the user sets multiple reminders, the reminder overlays are stacked, for example, in ascending order according to when each reminder is scheduled to be presented, and the following message will appear on the television receiver after the The user takes the appropriate action to remove the reminder message that is then being displayed. The REMINDER message 140 could also be adapted to allow the user to view or modify a list of all the reminders previously set by the user. As with the overlay presentation time period in FLIP mode, the user can modify the period of time prior to a selected program in which the REMINDER message appears, by entering the Viewer Preference mode, and checking time entry.

MENU mode

Using the remote control 31 shown in Figure 3, the user can enter the

EN 2 173 291 T3 MENU mode from the BROWSE mode or from the FLIP mode, by pressing the MODE button 38 once or twice, respectively. Using the remote control 40 of Figure 4, the user must simply press the key 47B corresponding to the MENU icon.^or .

Referring to Figure 6, in MENU mode^or , the system presents a plurality of icons and menu items, which correspond to, and allow, a user selection of different formats of presentation of program planning information, message boxes of the local cable system and other information services on -line. The MENU screen^or shown in Figure 6, is a full screen display. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, there are four vertically selectable horizontal bars 61-64, accessed using the up and down arrows 43A on the remote control 31 or 40. At the left end of each bar, an identification icon 61A-64A is displayed, which identifies the information contained in that bar. In the realization of Figure 6, the icon 61A of "TV GÚIDE" ("TV GUIDE"), of the first bar, corresponds to the program planning information of the magazine "TV Guide", the icon 62A of "NOW SHOWING ”(“ WHAT IS SHOWN NOW ”), in the second bar 62, corresponds to the enhanced service events and pay-per-view, the icon 63A of“ MSO Logo ”(“ MSO Logo ”), in the third bar, corresponds to Customer Service or information messages from the local cable company, and the circular icon 64A, in the fourth bar 64, corresponds to other interactive services available to the user, or in the case of broadcast networks, other jurisdictions, for example, domestic purchases, banks or use of the telephone. As also shown in Figures 6 and 6A, each bar also contains a textual description of its content.

When the user first enters the MENU mode^or , the system performs the selection of the program planning bar by default. When a particular bar is selected, the textual description is removed, and a plurality of identification icons or windows are displayed adjacent to the identification icon. In Figure 6, the program planning bar 61 is selected. Using the up or down arrow key on remote control 40, the user selects a vertically adjacent bar. Figures 15-17 show, respectively, the selection of bars 62 for Pay-Per-View, bar 63 for Messages or Customer Service, and bar 64 for Interactive TV services.

One MENU screen 215^or Alternative MAIN, has been shown in Figure 38. Certain selection screens, accessible from the menu shown in Figure 38, have been represented in Figures 38A and 38B. It has three horizontally selectable bars: program schedule 205, Home Theater 206, and Customer Service 207. The MENU screen 205^or MAIN also contains an additional “Locator” identifier, which is described below.

Once a particular bar is selected on the MENU screen^or , the user can choose a particular icon from the plurality of horizontally displayed selectable icons 65A-65C, using the left or right directional arrow and the ENTER key, on the remote control 40. Each icon contains a graphical symbol that appears in a background window of a particular color. When a particular icon is selected, it deviates from its background window and the color of the window changes. In Figure 6, the grid icon 65A is selected, immediately adjacent to the “GÚ^orAI DE TV ”from the first bar 61.

The function corresponding to the selectable entries on the MAIN MENU screen will now be discussed with reference to Figure 6. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the same functionality applies to the categories shown in the MENU.^or MAIN 215 shown in Figure 38.

On the top most vertically selectable horizontal bar 61, the first grid icon 65A represents an “All Listings” mode in which the program planning information is presented in a grid list, such as the one shown in the Figure 18. Alternatively, a simple column grid layout could be used, such as the one shown in Figure 25. In this format, the vertical y-axis identifies the channel number and service, while the horizontal x-axis identifies time. The screen display of Figure 18 also contains, in the upper left corner, a mode identifier 180, in this case the notation "All Listings", to remind the user of the current operating mode of the system. Directly below the mode display, there is a more intensely illuminated display 181 of the channel that the user was monitoring prior to entering the MENU mode.^or . In the upper right corner, a logo icon 182 appears in a window directly above a date / time identifier 183, which alternately displays the current date and time.

In the center of the screen presentation shown in Figure 18, there is a graphic Active Key Display (AKD) 184, which indicates to the user which remote control keys are active for that particular mode. of the program guide display system. For example, in the screen display of Figure 18, the cursor can only move up, down, or right. If the user were to press the left arrow key on the remote control at that point, the system will not perform any functions since the cursor cannot move to the left. In this way, the left arrow key is not active, so its image is not displayed on the AKD 184. Similarly, since the system will respond only to one press of the button.

ES 2 arrow keys d up, down or right direction and the ENTER key, they are not the only images of keys presented in the graphic AKD 184. The MODE key, even if it is not displayed, it is always active in order to switch from one mode to another. When the user first enters the All Listings guide, the time list starts by default in the half hour immediately prior to the current moment, unless the current moment is in the hour or half an hour, in which case the presentation begins with the particular hour or half hour, and the channel list begins with the last channel the user is watching prior to entering the MENU mode. For example, in Figure 18, the current time is displayed as 7:13 pm, the time listing begins at 7:00 pm, and the channel listing begins at channel 4.

In the All Listings mode, a more brightly illuminated moving cursor 185 is used to indicate to the user the currently selected program. The user manages the cursor movement using the arrow keys on the remote control 40. In addition, the entire information display pages move up if the cursor is at the bottom of the screen and the down arrow is pressed, and similarly, the pages go to the left if the cursor is at the bottom of the screen. on the far right side of the display and the right directional arrow is pressed. In this way, the user can navigate through the entire program schedule or guide.

The doubler icon 65B immediately to the right of the All Listings icon on the top horizontal bar 61 of Figure 6, identifies a "Category Listing" mode in which program planning information is displayed, and is categorized by content of the program, they are still shown in Figure 19. The particular list shown in Figure 19 includes the categories of Movies, Sports, News and Children 190A-190D. The database record stored for each listing contains a specific content identifier, so that the microcontroller can search the database, and categorize the information by content, for presentation in Category Listing mode. As shown in Figure 19, the user can move the cursor to the left or to the right, to illuminate more intensely any of the categories that appear in the header of the list. In Figure 19, category 190A of "Movies" is chosen. As shown, the user is provided with a presentation of the films, ordered primarily by time and then alphabetically by presentation title, starting with the half hour immediately prior to the current time, unless the current time is at the hour or a half. time, in which case the display starts with the particular hour or half hour. The screen display shown in Figure 19 also includes a textual description of the current mode of operation of the program planning system, as well as the graphic AKD 184, similar to the one used in relation to the All Lis291 T3 20 tados mode. .

As in All Listings mode, if the user lights up a show that is currently broadcasting brightly, they can immediately tune in to that show by pressing the ENTER key on the remote control 40. If the brightest illuminated display is one that will appear at a future time, the user is again provided the option to set a REMINDER message.

The triangular 65C icon, in the far right part of the bar 61 of the TV GUIDE, in the presentation of Figure 6, identifies a "Channel List" mode in which the information of planning of the TV is categorized. program, and is shown by the channel, as shown in Figure 20. The screen display shown in Figure 20 again includes a textual identifier 201, the AKD graphic 184, and the window that includes the logo icon 182 and the alternating time / date display 183. At the top of the program listing, you will find a list of several consecutive channels 202A-202C beginning with the last channel viewed by the user prior to entering the Channel Listing mode. The channel of the intermediate window 202B is illuminated more brightly, and constitutes the channel for which the planning information is displayed. The display identifies those programs that appear on the brightly lit channel that begins in the half hour immediately preceding the current time, unless the current time is in the hour or half an hour, in which case the display begins with the hour or private half hour. The user can also view future listings by moving the cursor to the bottom of the screen and paging the display, as described above. The user can also change the selected channel by operating the left or right arrow keys on the remote control 40. When the user generates a channel change command from this matter, the next consecutive channel would be displayed in the brightest window 202B in the display header channel chain, and the scheduling information for the channel would be displayed. has just been selected on the television receiver 27.

As with other modes, if a user wishes to tune in to a more brightly lit program that is currently broadcasting, they can do so simply by pressing the ENTER key on remote control 40, and if the user wishes to watch the program being broadcast on At a future time, the user is again provided the option to set a REMINDER message.

In each of the FLIP, BROWSE and MENU modes, an icon with a lowercase “i” appears several times, in relation to certain program listings, such as movies, such as the “i” 203 shown in Figure 20. Any Of the times this icon appears, the user can see programming information

Additional ES 2 173 291 T3, generally comprising a textual description of the content of the program and / or other information related to the program, such as the names of the cast members and the like, by pressing the "i" key 48 on command 40 from distance. An example of displaying such additional information is represented in Figure 21.

The second horizontal bar 62 that appears on the screen in the MAIN MENU mode shown in Figure 6, is the “Home Theater” Listing. Corresponds to Pay-Per-View events or services, specialized programming and Premium Service programs. When the user chooses this category, the television receiver presents information as shown in Figure 15. The first theater ticket icon 150 that appears in the Home Theater bar, identifies a format in which Pay-Per-View events and premium services are presented, as shown in Figure 22. Likewise As with other modes, the user can operate the cursor to illuminate more brightly and select a particular display. Also, the user can obtain additional information about the Pay-PerView event or the service, by pressing the “i” key 48 on the remote control 40. The Pay-Per-View menu screen presentation shown in Figure 22 It also includes a video presentation section 220 in which short promotional clips of current and future events and services can be shown to the user, while the user is viewing the Pay-Per-View planning information. The display in Figure 22 is a bit mapping, such that the advertising clips can be displayed in the lower left quadrant of the screen. The clips can be displayed randomly in the video presentation section 120 or, alternatively, the displayed clip could correspond to the particular entry selected in the event list, and could change automatically as the user navigates through the list.

When a user brightens a Pay-Per-View event or service, by moving the cursor to the desired service or event with the use of the directional arrow keys on the remote control 40, they can order the event or service. pressing the ENTER button on the remote control, thus linking the planning, promotion and ordering functions. If the user chooses a particular Pay-Per-View service or event in this way, the scheduling scheduling system will then present the user with a Pay-Per-View sorting screen such as the one shown in Figure 23. The visualization includes a figure that represents the cost of the event or service. The display also asks the user to choose between a plurality of scheduled broadcast hours 230A-230C, as well as whether the user would like to see a REMINDER message prior to the start of the Pay-per-View service or event. The user answers these questions by using the remote control arrow keys 40, to move the cursor to the appropriate answer, and then pressing the ENTER key. Once the user has ordered a service or a Pay-PerView event, the program scheduling system will present the user with two order confirmation submenus, as shown in Figures 24 and 24A. In any of these sub-menus, the user can confirm or cancel the Pay-Per-View event or service.

If the user confirms the command, the microcontroller 16 stores the Pay-Per-View ordering information in a memory location. The command information can then be transmitted to the cable operator via controller 16, either over the telephone line or either over the cable line when the system has two-way communication or other interactive capabilities. Alternatively, a computer at the cable operator's location can interrogate the memory in which the microcontroller stored the Pay-Per-View ordering information. At the appropriate time, the cable operator provides the Pay-Per-View service or event, and it is received by all users who have requested the program.

The second icon 151 of the Pay-PerView bar in Figure 15, identifies a specialized broadcast service, programming by cable or satellite, to which the user has access through the electronic program guide. In this way, the electronic program guide application software acts to contact the user, through an appropriate data transmission link, for the scheduling service, at which point the user interacts with the service. Alternatively, the electronic program guide provides the navigation software, including menu and planning information, for the particular programming service. Such a service could be, for example, Your Choice TV (“YCTV”), a service that offers resumes of highly-rated cable and broadcast shows, in which case the icon may take a form suitable for identify YCTV. The programming available on YCTV is then supplied to the user through the programming guide system.

The last icon 152 that appears in the Pay-per-View bar of Figure 15, identifies a display format that lists all the Premium Services offered by the cable operator, as shown in Figure 26. In this In this way, the user can choose, for his incentive ordering, any of the first quality services, with the manipulation of the cursor, using the arrow keys of the remote control and pressing the ENTER key. Similar to the Pay-PerView request, the system will present the user with a series of sorting displays and, if the user requests a service, it will confirm the user's request using another submenu. If confirmed, the microcontroller 16 will store the request information or transmit it directly to the cable operator. Once the order has been confirmed, the microcontroller can immediately allow the user access to the premium service that has been requested. From

In this way, the user can order top quality events or services on demand.

If, during FLIP or BROWSE modes, a user views a channel or scheduling information for a service to which the user is not subscribed, the microcontroller 16 causes a command submenu to appear instead of displaying a program signal along with the graphic overlay, as shown in Figure 9. This submenu indicates to the user that he is not currently subscribed to the selected service, and then asks the user if he would like to order the service. If the user answers yes, the program scheduling system enters the user into the sorting submenu discussed above. In this way, the user can request top quality events or an incentive service.

The third horizontal bar 63 in the MENU mode that has been represented in Figure 6, constitutes the list of "Messages" or "Customer Service". As shown in Figure 16, the first icon 160 represents message information available from the cable operator. When the user selects the message icon, it is presented with a screen display of the currently available messages, which are still represented in Figure 27. The display shown in Figure 27 includes cable system messages 270, and account information 271. If the user chooses cable system message option 270, it is presented with a message pertaining to the local cable operator, as shown in Figure 28. If the user chooses the account statement option 271 that has been represented in Figure 27, this is presented with a visualization of the current billing information, such as the one represented in Figure 29. This information can include a history of purchases that have been uploaded to the user, information of the current balance, or pending orders, and an indication of the available credit, which can be an authorized debit limit previously agreed with the cable operator or another. In this way, a user will be able to specify only a certain pre-established spending limit. Once the amount of charges for pay-per-view events reaches the limit, the microcontroller will not allow requests for additional events. The only alternative message menu has been represented in Figure 28A.

The next icon 161 on the Customer Service information bar 63 in Figure 16 identifies a "Viewer Preference" mode, which allows the user to create or review various program scheduling system operating parameters. Once selected, this visualization presents the user with various preference options that affect some operating parameters of the program planning system, as well as the viewing of some channels and / or certain specific content programming, for example, those that are displayed. shown in Figure 7.

The first option represented in Figure 7 is a "Parental" option 70, which can also be expressed as a "Key Lock Access" option. One time

291 T3 24 that the user has initially selected this option, the system presents a submenu of "Password Access", such as the one shown in the

Figure 30.

The Password Access menu shown in Figure 30 allows the user to control access to individual programs or events and channels, asking the user to enter a "password" or access code, consisting of a specific user code of four digits, in the specific embodiment discussed here, before ordering or viewing these preselected channels, programs, or events. The menu display shown in Figure 30 shows a series of object categories that are inputs on the vertical y axis, selectable by the user. A particular object category is chosen using the up or down arrow keys on the remote control 40, to brighten the desired input. Once the user chooses a particular object category, the left and right arrow keys are used to navigate within the chosen category.

The first object entry shown in Figure 30 is category 301 “Parental Guidance”. Once the user selects this category by moving the cursor to brighten the entry, the cursor can then move horizontally to an active window 302 that displays and selects one of the five items in the five-letter classification category. Lettered sections represent ratings of program content as follows: “V” for violence, “N” for nudity, “L” for language, “AS” for adult situations, and “PD” for parental discretion. Once the user selects a particular section, such as “L”, moving to the active window 302 with the use of the right arrow key, pressing the ENTER key, will indicate to the microcontroller 16 that a Password access for programs classified with an “L” that classify explicit or violent language. The system indicates the activation of a password access by presenting a password icon directly below the display of category "L". Once a password access is established, it can be deactivated by selecting the letter of the category and then pressing the ENTER key. This action makes the key icon disappear. The user can change the rating category of the active window 302 using the left or right arrow keys on the remote control 40, of which images are displayed on the screen adjacent to the active window as a reminder to the user. In this way, the user can select other classification categories to establish a password access for any of the program content identifiers that appear in the Parental Guide category.

The password access code itself consists of a four-digit code, which the user can enter and modify at any time. To do this, the user brightens the fourth input vertically

ES 2 173 291 T3 selectable "Change Key Lock Access Code" 304 ("Change Access Code with Password"), moving the cursor to illuminate it more intensely using the arrow keys on the remote control. Once the master has been illuminated brightly, the user enters a new four-digit code or reviews the existing code and presses the ENTER key. The microcomputer 16 then identifies the new four-digit passcode and stores it in memory. The user can erase the access code with a password, as well as other previously activated passwords, moving to the last entry in Figure 30, “Clear Key Lock Access Code and All Keys”. Keys ”), 305, which brightens the“ OK ”window more intensely, and then pressing the ENTER key. This action deletes and deactivates all the keys previously established, as well as the access code with the key.

The planning information database record for each program contains a field that corresponds to the program content identifiers in the Parental Guidance category. During operation, the microcontroller checks this field in response to a user command, in order to tune or command a program, or to display its corresponding scheduling information before performing the tuning, request, or display function. If the parental guidance identifier in the program planning information database record matches any of the activated parental guidance identifiers shown in Figure 30, the user is ready to enter the password access code. of four digits before the system takes any action. If the code entered is the same as the access code with password previously entered and stored by the user as described above, the system will carry out the user request to tune in to the program, request it, or to view its information on corresponding planning. If the code is not recognized by the system, no further action will be taken and the user's request will be denied.

By moving the cursor with the use of the directional arrow keys to illuminate the second entry more brightly, "MPAA ratings", 308, the user can also set a password access for programs based on their code code. MPAA classification, as also shown in Figure 30.

As with the Parental Guidance category, once the MPAA rating category has been selected, the user can move horizontally within the category to the active 306 window, to select one of the five rating codes, i.e. , "G" for general audiences, "PG" for parental guidance, "PG13" for proposed parental guidance, with no minor under 13 admitted without an adult, "R" for restricted, and "X" for x rated. As in the Parental Guidance category, selecting a particular classification, using the left or right arrow keys until a particular classification code appears in the active window, and then pressing the ENTER key, the user establishes a password access for the classification, in which case a key icon appears below the classification code. And, as for the Parental Guidance category, once a password access is established, the system will be ready for the user to enter the access code with a four-digit password at the time a request is made. tuning, order or viewing planning information, for a particular program that has a rating code that matches a rating code for which password access has been activated.

The Key Access mode also includes a 303 object category for controlling access to channels, which may be titled, for example, “Channel Block” or “Channel Lock”. . As for the Parental Guides 301 and MPAA 308 categories, the user navigates to the Channel Lock category 303 by moving the cursor with the use of the directional arrow keys on the remote control and pressing the ENTER key. Once the Channel Lock 303 category has been entered, the user can move horizontally to an active window 307 which, in Figure 30, indicates channel 2. Once the user has brightened this window by moving the cursor With the use of the directional arrow keys on the remote control 40, a password access can be established for the channel that appears in the active window. This is done by pressing the ENTER key, which again causes a key icon to appear below the channel number in the active window. The user can move to the previous channel or to the next channel in the sequence by pressing any of the left or right directional arrow keys on the remote control 40. In this way, the user can activate an access with password for any available channel.

As with the Paternal Guide 301 and MPAA 308 categories, once a password access has been established for a particular channel, the system will be ready for the user to enter the password access code before carrying out. an instruction to tune in or order that channel. If the password access code that has been entered is the same as the previously stored access code, the user instruction is carried out. Otherwise, the user's instruction is ignored. In this way, the user can control access to the content of the audio and video program of any available channel. In this case, the microcontroller 16 will not allow the audio or video program signals to pass to the VDG, but will allow planning information to appear for the channel.

The only alternative method for blocking programs is accompanied by the use of a “Lockout” screen, as shown in Figure 39. In addition to limiting access to programs based on the

ES 2

Parental Guidance, MPAA, and channel criteria, as discussed above, access may be limited based on program title. Figure 39 shows an alternative Lock screen 250, which can be used to allow or limit access to the program based on the program title, as well as based on the criteria mentioned above. Other parameters can also be included, such as time of day, day of week, credit limit, and content category (for example, chat samples).

To enter the Lock screen 250 shown in Figure 39, the user must enter a multi-digit lock code, using the numeric digit keys 42 and the enter key 44, on the remote control 40. The code Lock is initially set when the system is first used or installed. To establish a blocking code in the first case, the user accesses a Setup screen 260, such as the one shown in Figure 40. The Setup screen 260 will appear automatically the first time it is installed and installed. initialize the electronic program guide. For access during normal operation of the electronic program guide, a suitable path to the Setup screen 260 may be provided, such as from an appropriate icon in the MAIN MENU 215.

On the Setup screen 260 of Figure 40, the user can navigate to Lock Code category 265 and set a new lock code using appropriate selection and navigation keys on the remote control 40. One menu suitable for entry of the blocking code, has been represented in Figure 40A. Once enabled, the lock code must be used to set or modify locks, to view a previously locked program, or to delete or change the lock code. The memory location of the stored lock code should also be accessible remotely, such as through the local cable company, or in case the user forgets the lock code and needs to be cleared.

Once the lock code has been entered and the lock screen 250 has been displayed, screen navigation is controlled by the directional keys 43A and 43B on the remote control 40. Using the up and down direction keys 43A Down to move the selection cursor, any of the categories of Movie Rating 251, Parental Guide 252, Channel 253, Locked Program 254 or Lock Code 255 can be selected. The left and right arrow keys 43B are then used to navigate within the selected category.

Clearing a previously set lock code is accompanied by moving the selection cursor to entry 156 of "Clear" in Lock Code category 255 and pressing enter 44 on the remote control. 40. This causes the microcontroller to erase the lock code stored in memory, as well as all the

291 T3 28 locks previously established by the user. To change the current lock code, the user navigates to entry 257 of “Change” in Lock Code category 255, and presses the enter key 44 on the remote control 40. The user is ready. then to enter a new lock code, which is subsequently stored in memory by means of the microcontroller.

To establish a lock, either in the category of Movie Rating 251 or Parental Guide 252, the user navigates to the entry selected in Figure 39, moving the selection cursor with the use of keys 43A and 43B of the remote control. 40 and then presses a lock key on the remote control, such as the lock key 54A shown in Figure 4. The microcontroller will appropriately modify the display, to indicate that a lock has been set, for example by changing the color of the text or the background of the selected input window, or by displaying an appropriate icon next to the text in the input window. selected. In Figure 39, a padlock icon 258 appears in the window of the entry "PG" in the category 251 of Film Rating. Moving the lock key while the selection cursor is located on a chosen input will alternately enable and disable the lock function for that input.

Similarly, to set a lock for a particular channel, the user selects the channel using the selection cursor and then presses the lock key. In Figure 39, the channel entry “4 KCNC”, in Channel category 253, has been blocked, which is indicated by reverse video and the lock icon that appears in the window.

Program locks can also be set by title, which can be done in various ways. For example, when the previously described FLIP or BROWSE mode of the electronic program guide is enabled, thereby causing the title of a program to be displayed along with other program planning information in a window superimposed on the actual program signal that I was receiving at that time, the user can limit access to the program corresponding to the displayed program information by pressing the lock key 45A on the remote control 40. The user can also limit access to the currently tuned program by pressing key 45A on remote control 40 while watching the program, regardless of whether FLIP or BROWSE modes are enabled. In this case, the microcontroller first removes the program signal from the display and then accesses the planning information database record for the program that then appears and sets an appropriate banner to indicate that the program has been completed. locked. Also, when viewing the program planning information in the grid or category listings, as discussed above and represented, for example, in Figures 18-20, the user can also tag

ES 2 173 291 T3 a program to be locked by lighting it more intensely with the selection cursor, and then pressing the lock key 45A on the remote control 40.

In each of these cases, the microcontroller then stores the program tag in a list of lock tags stored in memory, along with any other tags that have previously been locked by the user. The individual sections of the list of lock labels are presented in alphabetical order in window 259 of “Locked Program”, shown in Figure 39, and the user can move through the list by positioning the cursor in the Blocked Program window 259, with the use of the up and down direction keys 43A on the remote control of Figure 40, and then using the left and right arrow keys 43B to scroll through the list, one section at a time. In order to save memory space, alternatively, the microcontroller may be programmed to set a flag or otherwise mark the particular database record that contains the program planning information for the program to be locked, and to later access the database to retrieve the title information when it has to be presented, such as when the viewer is reviewing the blocked title list in the Blocked Program window 259.

Once an individual tag has been locked, the microcontroller can be programmed to optionally display an appropriate lock icon, such as a padlock, whenever program planning information for the locked program is to be displayed, such as such as the FLIP or BROWSE mode window overlay, or the various grid and category displays available in the MAIN MENU displays. The system may also present an appropriate text message if someone tries to access the program signal of a previously blocked program. Of course, once a program is locked, in all cases the microcontroller prevents access to the actual program signal (including both the audio and video portions of the program signal), until an appropriate code is entered or the lock is removed.

Various methods can be used to block programs as they are broadcast. For example, in the case of the Movie, Gióa Paterna and Channel Rating categories, the planning information database record for each program is provided with a field that corresponds to the rating, program or channel content identifier. that appears, respectively, in the category of Movie 251, Orna Paterna 256 and Channel 253 Rating, of the Lock screen 250 shown in Figure 39.

During operation, the microcontroller checks the appropriate field in the database record, in response to a user command to tune, or command, a program, before performing the tune or request function. Additionally, the lock code can also be used to restrict access to program planning information. In this case, the microcontroller could also check the appropriate field in the planning information database record, prior to the presentation of the planning information for a program.

If the movie rating, parental guide, or channel identifier, in the program planning information database record, matches any one of the locked entries indicated on Lock screen 250, it is displayed a Lockout Verify screen 300 ("Lockout Verification"), in overlapping relationship with the video signal that is currently being displayed on the television receiver, as shown in Figure 41. The user will be ready to enter the previously established lock code before the system takes any further action. As an added security measure, asterisks are displayed as the user enters the lock code. If the code entered is equal to the lock code previously entered and stored by the user as described above, the system will carry out the user request to tune or order the program, or to present its corresponding planning information. . If the code is not recognized by the system, no further action will be taken and the user's request will be denied. In this case, the Lock Verification screen 300 will remain displayed on the television receiver, waiting for a correct code to be entered. If no action is taken by the user, the Lock Verification screen 300 will be cleared after a predetermined period of time, such as one or two minutes, has elapsed.

Similarly, in the case of blocking by caption, the microcontroller could also check the caption field in the planning information database record, and compare it with the list of program captions for which the user has previously set. a blockage. If, as described above, the microcontroller does not maintain a list of actual program captions blocked by caption, a suitable identifier can be set in a field of the database record to indicate that a program has been captioned when the user first sets the lock, and then the microcontroller could check that field in response to a user request to tune in, or request a program, or view planning information.

An alternative method of blocking includes the use of a portion of the real-time program signal that is being received by the television receiver. With this method, codes corresponding to a program rating, parental guide category, banner, or channel are inserted into, or transmitted along with the program signal, such as in vertical or horizontal idle intervals, or on

ES 2 lines of reticule scanning that are not visible on the television receiver. When the program signal is received, these codes are flushed from the program signal and stored in memory. Methods and apparatus for inserting, transmitting and receiving digital codes carried by a program signal are known in the art.

After the transmitted codes have been separated from the program signal and stored in memory, the microcontroller can compare them with the blocking criteria set by the user in the Lock screen and take the appropriate action, as described in what precedes.

The Preparation screen 260 shown in Figure 40 also contains a category 270 of Purchase Code (“Acquisition Code”), which allows the user to establish a numerical purchase code that must be entered before any of the purchase channels can be requested. premium quality or pay-per-view. The Setup screen 260, shown in Figure 40, includes inputs to set a new acquisition code and to delete or change a previously set keyword. Figures 40B to 40F show appropriate menus for setting, confirming, clearing or changing the acquisition code. Once the user establishes an acquisition code, the microcontroller will then present a Purchase Code Verify screen ("Acquisition Code Verification"), in response to a user request to tune in or request a first-rate service channel. quality or a pay-per-view program. The Acquisition Code Verification screen works in a similar way to the Lock Verification screen 300, since the user is able to enter the previously established acquisition code keyword, before the microcontroller tunes or requests the required program. If the correct acquisition code is not entered, the microcontroller will not undertake any additional actions and the Acquisition Code Verification screen will remain displayed, waiting for the correct code to be entered. If no action is taken within a predetermined defined period of time, the Procurement Code Verification screen will be removed.

The next option shown in Figure 7 consists of option 71 from the Channel Preference list or "Favorite Channel". By illuminating this icon more intensely and pressing the ENTER key on the remote control 40, the user is presented with a submenu on the screen, such as the one represented in Figure 8.

In normal operation, the program guide system presents channels to the user in numerical order, in response to a channel change up or down command generated by the user using one of the directional arrow keys in the remote control. The channel number display sequence includes all channels offered by the cable company, in the order in which they are modulated into the channel by the operator.

291 T3 32

The program guide system also provides the ability to select, from various user-defined channel presentation sequences, which are activated by the use of one of the three check mark icon keys 48A, 48B or 48C. ”(“ Check mark ”), on the remote control shown in Figure 4. Each of these keys represents a particular preferred list of channels that a particular user chooses, and that the microcontroller stores in memory as a "Channel Preference" list, which are discussed in detail below. To activate one of these preferred channel lists, the user presses the corresponding check mark icon key, in which case the microcontroller may present the chosen icon on the screen in full screen and graphical overlap displays, to remind the user that the system is using a particular channel preference list. Once a preference list has been activated, the system will limit the tuning of the television receiver and the display of planning information, only for those channels that have been designated in the activated viewer preference list.

To review the content and / or the sequential order of the channels in the Channel Preference list, the user enters the MENU mode of the programming guide system. To enter the MENU mod^to From FLIP mode, user presses MODE key 38 twice when using remote control 31 in Figure 3. To enter MENU mode^to when using the alternative remote control embodiment 40 of Figure 4, the user simply presses the MENU icon key 47B^to .

When first entered, MENU mode^to has a screen presentation such as the one represented in Figure 6. To select the submenu for editing the Channel Preference list, the user first selects the third horizontal bar 63, which can be titled, for example, "Messages" or "Customer Service", with the handling of the cursor, with the use of the down arrow key, as shown in Figure 7. The screen of Figure 6A is displayed with it. The user then selects the second icon 161 that appears in that bar, indicated with a check mark, which corresponds to the "Viewer Preference" mode, by means of the intense illumination of the icon using the directional arrow keys, and pressing again the ENTER key. This action will cause the microcontroller 16 to present a Viewer Preference submenu, such as the one depicted in Figure 7. By selecting the entry 71 of Channel Preference or “Favorite Channel”, the user enters the Channel Preference submenu, shown in Figure 8. If the user has not done that already, then he can press the particular key of the check icon. dial, on the remote control 40 of Figure 4, to create or review the particular channel preference list.

In the Channel Preference menu shown in Figure 8, a list 80 of

ES 2 173 291 T3 all channels available on the particular cable system, on the left side of the television receiver screen, labeled "Choices" in Figure 8, and the viewer's preferred list 81 , designated as “Selected” in Figure 8, is shown on the right side. In a particular code, such as an END (FIN) or symbol "-1", it appears in the first position 82 (the uppermost) of the list 81 of viewer preference, the system presents information of all the channels, in order numerical, in all operating modes. This is the default mode of the system.

By selecting channels in sequence from available list 80, and placing them in the desired order in preference list 81, the user can select a subset of channels and / or rearrange the default sequence in response to a command from channel up or channel down, of the user. This is accompanied by severely limiting a channel in the available list 80, using the up and down arrow keys on the remote control 40, and pressing the 44 ENTER key, which stores the input. temporarily in a buffer.

Microcontroller 16 stores a list of all channels previously entered into viewer preference list 81. As a particular channel is brightly illuminated by the user, when browsing through the list 80 of available channels displayed on the left side of the television screen, a window 84 appears adjacent to the particular channel illuminated by the user. If the particular channel already appears on viewer preference list 81, the system displays a "DELETE" message in window 84, as a reminder that the channel was previously selected from list 80 of available channel, and can only be deleted from list 81, which is accompanied by pressing the 44 ENTER key. If the particular darker-lit channel in list 80 was not previously selected, the system displays a "SELECT" message in window 84 as a reminder that the particular channel will be selected for addition to the preference list 81. viewer if the user presses the 44 ENTER key. Microcontroller 16 inserts a selected channel at the bottom of list 81. In this way, the user can select or delete channels from the viewer preference list in any desired order.

The list 80 of available channels may also be provided with category entries 83, such as movie, news, sports or children's shows. The user can also brightly illuminate any of these entries and place them on the viewer preference list 81. If the user does not include a category in their viewer preference list 81, when the user generates channel up or down commands, the system will display in sequence, first the preferred channels selected by the user in numerical order and then all channels that have a program whose content corresponds to the category or categories selected at that time.

Once the user has reviewed the channel preference list 81 in the manner described above, the microcontroller 16 will follow the stored user-specific channel sequence in response to a channel change command made by the user using of one of the directional arrow keys. To activate the viewer preference list, the user presses one of the three check mark icon keys 48A, 48B or 48C on the top of the remote control shown in Figure 4. The viewer preference list can be used to selectively limit the tuning of the television receiver or to present planning information in any of the operating modes of the electronic program guide. In the present embodiment, once a preference list has been activated, the system will limit the tuning on the television receiver and the presentation of planning information in FLIP and BROWSE modes, as well as in the grid category and settings. listed in MENU mode^or , only for those channels designated in the activated viewer preference list. The tuner may not be tuned, and no corresponding planning information can be presented for any channel that is not entered in the viewer preference list when it is activated. In this regard, it should be appreciated that establishing a key lock access in the categories of Parental Guide 301, MPAA 308 or Channel Lock 303, produces a different result than when using another presentation criteria, such as the Preference List. Channel of the preferred channels discussed above. Thus, while a password-locked access prevented the audio and video program information, but not the planning information, from being presented or ordered in the absence of the introduction of an authorization code, if a particular channel is It is included in the Channel Preference list and also has a password lock access activated in the category 303 Channel Lock of the Password Access mode, that channel or its corresponding planning information will not be presented at any time.

To deactivate a previously selected viewer preference list, the user moves the appropriate check mark icon key on the remote control 40 in Figure 4. Once deactivated, the system, by default, presents and tunes all available channels. , as well as presenting the planning information for all available channels.

Alternatively, the viewer preference list 81, if enabled, can be used to control tuning and present schedule information only in selected modes, such as in FLIP mode, thus allowing the user to tune in and view the information of the viewer. corresponding planning, only for those channels entered in list 81 preferably in FLIP mode, while

ES 2 views all channels and corresponding planning information in all other modes.

In this last configuration, as well as in the event that no channel preference list is activated and the system is in the default mode, if a channel appears in the viewer preference list 81 that corresponds to a service not subscribed by the user, the microcontroller 16 causes a request submenu to appear instead of presenting a program signal along with the graphic overlay, as shown in Figure 9. This submenu tells the user that he is not currently subscribed to the selected service, and then asks the user if he wishes to request the service. If the user answers affirmatively, the program planning system presents the user with another request submenu, to confirm the user's request, as with the incentive request.

The program guide may also be configured with a Locator screen 201, as shown in Figure 37, which assists the viewer in channel selection and in defining a favorite channel list. The Pager screen 201 presents all available channel numbers, grouped according to the source of the program information appearing on any particular channel at any particular time, for example, broadcast, cable broadcast, pay-per-view. , video on demand, satellite or other source program material. Thus, the Locator screen 101 can be used to locate any particular channel or service, since the groupings provide a quick and efficient method for moving through the list of available channels. Channel numbers can also be grouped according to other criteria, such as program category, program content, program rating or other standard based on content, availability time, number order, or other logical grouping.

In the example shown in Figure 37, the user navigates within the Locator screen 201, using the direction keys 43A and 43B on the remote control 40. The direction keys 43B to the right and left, move the cursor within the category rows, while the up and down arrow keys 43A are used to select a particular category. From the Locator screen 201, any particular channel can be selected for viewing by positioning the cursor on the desired channel and pressing the enter key 44 or an optional tuning key (not shown) on the remote control 40.

In addition to assisting with channel selection, the Locator screen 201 also provides the user with the ability to conveniently define lists of favorite channels. To do this, the user first moves the selection cursor to the desired channel, using the direction keys 43A and 43B, or the numeric digit keys 42, on the remote control 40, and then presses on the remote control 40 , which causes the display to change in some way or characteristic as an indication of

291 T3 36 that the channel has been selected as a favorite channel, for example by changing the color of the channel identification text or the background of the text, displaying an appropriate icon or by some other appropriate identification pattern. On the remote control 40 shown in Figure 4, the key with the "#" sign can act as a favorite channel key.

Also, if multiple lists of favorite channels are being used, the user can press the appropriate favorite channel key on the remote control to select a particular list before pressing the favorite channel key. For example, as discussed above, the remote control 40 shown in Figure 4 has three color-coded brand check favorite channel keys 48A, 48B, and 48C, providing at least three lists. individual favorite channels for three individual users. Different identification characteristics may be displayed on the Locator screen 201 to indicate that a favorite channel list has been selected. For example, the icon or image used to enable a favorite channel list on the remote control, such as the brand check key 48A used on the remote control 40 shown in Figure 4, could be displayed on the screen. 201 of Locator, as well as other screens of the program guide, when a favorite channel list is enabled. Alternatively, the color of the displayed background or text could be changed to match the color of the selected favorite channel key.

The Locator screen 201 can be accessed through various paths. For example, it may be included as a virtual channel that is conveniently located in the channel tuning sequence, such as between the highest and lowest available channel numbers, eg, a virtual channel 0. For the user, such virtual channel appears to be a conventional channel. However, it does not require any additional bandwidth as a carrier. For example, it can be digitally generated at the subscriber's station, or included in an appropriate blanking interval at existing bandwidth frequencies. In this way, the virtual channel is accessible both by entering a corresponding channel number with the use of the numeric digit keys 42 on the remote control, and by using the up or down direction keys 43A. , to double from the highest channel number to the lowest one, or vice versa. As shown in Figure 38, it may also be desirable to provide a suitable identifier, such as an icon or text message 210, on the MENU display 215.^í MAIN, from which the user can access the Locator screen 201 by simply illuminating the identifier 210 with the selection cursor, and pressing the enter key 44 on the remote control 40. Alternatively, the remote control may be provided with a key corresponding to the Pager screen 201, which could cause the microcontroller to display the screen

IS 2 173 291 T3

201 Locator when the user presses it.

Virtual channels can be positioned at any other location in the channel tuning sequence, and can be used to provide a variety of functions in addition to, or as alternative options to, the Locator screen 201. As examples, the user could access a Proximate Request Video Service (NOVD), a text or graphic-based information gathering service, a video game service, or a digital music service (DMX) through the interface. virtual channel. As with the Pager screen, these virtual channels can be accessed as one channel in sequence with the directional arrow keys, direct dial entry, or using a channel or last function. When accessed as a channel, and when accessed as a menu, they function as a Menu feature - that is, whatever channel was tuned in before accessing the menu screen will continue to be the currently tuned channel.

Each of these services can be provided using a plurality of channels. For example, a NOVD service may function by overlapping the start times of a movie across multiple channels, so that the user of a hypothetical NOVD service with eight channels per video would wait at most 15 minutes before a movie starts. two hour movie. In another example, a video game service could provide ten video games, one per channel. Each of the channels that a service comprises can be real channels or virtual channels.

In the past, this multi-channel per service approach has been inconvenient for the user. For example, when a service package is provided that includes TV channels 1-39, DMX channels 40-46, NVOD channels 47-55, video game channels 56-70, and gossip channels 71-74, a user who is watching television surfing through channels using the 43A UP key of the remote control 40 will find himself on channel 39, with the need to press the 43A Up key 36 times to return to channel 1 at the beginning of the television channel sequence.

This inconvenience is reduced through the use of virtual channels. A single virtual channel that identifies the channels available in each particular service could be positioned in the channel tuning sequence at the location of the first channel in the service or, alternatively, the channel number that immediately precedes the first channel in the service could be assigned. In the previous example, virtual channel 40 would provide access to DMX service, virtual channel 47 would provide access to NOVD service, virtual channel 46 would provide access to video game service, and virtual channel 71 would provide access to information gathering service. As explained in more detail below, a user tuned to channel 39 in such a system pressed the 43A UP key of the remote control 40 only five times to get to channel 1, reaching channels 40, 47, 56, and channels in the middle. 71.

In one embodiment, a user may not select the individual channels that comprise a service accessed through a virtual channel; instead, the user must first tune in to the virtual channel and then positively choose to enter the service associated with the virtual channel, for example, by pressing the OK or ENTER key on a remote control. As a result, virtual channels, and not the individual channels that comprise the services, are adjacent in the channel tuning sequence. In this case, the system operates to display the corresponding virtual channel in response to an order from the user to tune into any channel that offers a particular service. Thus, in the example above, in response to a user command to tune into any of channels 47 to 55, the system will display virtual channel 47 associated with the NOVD service. Alternatively, the system could be configured to allow the user to access any channel directly without having to enter the virtual channel. In yet another embodiment, once the user enters the virtual channel for a service and selects a channel, they are allowed to access each channel in the service using the up and down keys on the remote control 40, as they would do. in a normal tuning sequence. However, the system automatically limited the tuning sequence to only those channels in the service, including the virtual channel. Thus, when the virtual channel is 40 and the service channels are 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46, once the user selects and tunes a service channel through a virtual channel, for example, the channel 42, subsequent use of the up and down keys allowed the user to sequence through the channels. Pressing the UP key seven times will change the channels as follows: 43, 44, 45, 46, 40, 41, 42. The user exits the service by selecting virtual channel 40 and then selecting the EXIT function ("exit").

In order to further illustrate the nature of a virtual channel, one embodiment of a DMX service accessed via a virtual channel is described in detail below. In this embodiment, channels 1-39 are television channels, and channel 40 is a virtual channel that allows the user to access the DMX service. In the same way that a cable television service ordinarily provides multiple channels of video, a DMX service ordinarily provides multiple channels of digital audio. In the description of virtual channel access that follows, specific reference is made to the remote control 40 of FIG. 4 for illustrative purposes. However, any suitable remote control could be used just as well.

Referring now to Fig. 43, an embodiment 500 of a virtual DMX channel screen of channel 40 is shown. The illustrated DMX service offers its users six music channels, channels 41-46. The screen 500 is displayed on the user's television when a channel between 40 and 46, inclusive, is selected on the numeric digit keys 42 of the remote control, when the UP key 43A of the remote control is pressed.

EN 2 remote control from channel 38, or when pressing the 43A DOWN key of the remote control from the next television channel or virtual channel higher than 46. If channel 46 is the highest channel available, the button will be pressed. 34A DOWN key on the remote control from channel 1 or, alternatively, from channel 0, if present, will take the user to channel 40.

Once channel 40 is selected, (1) the user can, by means of the 43A UP key on the remote control, the 43B DOWN key or 42 numeric digit keys, change to a different television or virtual channel or ( 2) User can press ENTER key 44 to enter DMX service. In the illustrated embodiment, the DMX music channels cannot be accessed directly; the user must first enter the virtual DMX channel and then navigate to it to access the channels that comprise the DMX service. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, pressing the 43A UP key on the remote when channel 40 is currently selected takes the user to channel 47, 1 or 0, as appropriate (i.e., the next virtual channel in sequence. tuning). Alternatively, the system may be configured to allow the user to directly tune into any channel without having to enter the virtual channel. Also, each virtual channel may be listed on the Locator screen 201 or, alternatively, the channels served by each virtual channel may be identified on the Locator screen 201.

In the illustrated embodiment, the title of the virtual channel, “DMX-VC”, is located in the upper left corner of the screen. Initially, the name of the first DMX channel, “DMX-1”, is lit brightly with a cursor. By using the direction control keys 43A, 43B, 43C and 43D to manipulate the cursor, the user can illuminate any of the other DMX channel names or the 505 EXIT function. Once a channel name is lit brightly, the user can press the 44 ENTER key to tune to the selected channel and hear the muasic sounding on it. EXIT zone 505, when selected and activated, causes the user to exit DMX service. Other television or virtual channels can then be selected as described above. In the embodiment shown, the channel number associated with each DMX channel is not shown, but can be displayed to facilitate direct tuning from the virtual channel by entering the corresponding digits, or to aid in the programming of a recording device or device. to the tuner for future programs.

An alternative embodiment of the DMX virtual channel display is shown in Fig. 44. A LISTEN function 503 can be added to the virtual channel display 500. By navigating to the Listen function 503 and pressing the ENTER key 44, the user can listen to the muasic associated with each selected DMX channel identified on the virtual channel screen 500. In the LISTEN function, the user does not need to press the ENTER key of the remote control to listen to a new channel each time.

291 T3 40 glowing a new channel name; the music that is playing will correspond to the name of the brightly lit channel as the cursor moves. An appropriate indicator may also be used, such as a color change of the Listen 503 zone, or the placement of an appropriate icon or text, indicating that the Listen 503 function has been activated. To deactivate the Listen function 503, the user moves the cursor to select it and presses the ENTER key 44 again, at which time the user will be able to navigate in the virtual channel 500 without hearing the corresponding audio signal associated with each channel.

In an alternative embodiment, the main DMX screen 500 shows the title of the currently playing piece of music on each channel. In another realization, the artist who interprets the piece is also shown. In yet another embodiment, the name of the record company is displayed. In another embodiment, the remaining time of the musical piece is also displayed. In still another embodiment, the type of muasic currently being played on each DMX channel is also displayed, namely country, hard rock, alternative music, etc. Any of these options can be combined as desired, and any other identifying information can also be displayed.

Additionally, windows to display the date and time can be added to the screen, to allow the user to see the category of music that will be played on each channel in the future. Alternatively, a LOOK FORWARD function 507, as shown in FIG. 45, may be included on the virtual channel screen 500, and when this function is selected, another screen will be displayed to the user. With such an embodiment, the user could easily identify the type of muasic that is sounding or will sound on any given channel at any given time. Such a feature would be desirable if the type of muasic playing on one or more of the DMX channels changes daily, at certain times of the day, or otherwise.

Referring now to FIG. 46, an embodiment of a LOOK FORWARD screen 541 is shown. The “DMX Channel / Format” diagram at the bottom of the screen shows the type or variety of muasic programmed to sound at the time indicated in the “Planned for” line of the screen. The "Scheduled for" line contains a date field 542 and a time field 543. The "Current Time" line on the display shows the current date and time. When the LOOK AHEAD screen is first displayed, the “Scheduled for” date and time fields contain the “Current time” date and time, rounded to the nearest half hour, and the time field lights brightly.

To preview the muasic types available on each DMX channel at future times, the user alternately illuminates the date and time windows with the cursor and selects their option by pressing the 44 ENTER arrow. The user can use the LEFT and RIGHT 43B keys of the remote control 40 to change the bright field.

ES 2 173 291 T3 only on the line “Planned for”. Pressing the LEFT 43B key when the hour field is brightly illuminated instead makes the date field brightly lit. Pressing the 43B RIGHT key when the date field is brightly illuminates instead causes the hour field to glow brightly.

The user can use the remote control's UP and DOWN keys 43A to shift the value of the date and time fields forward or backward in one-day and half-hour increments, respectively. The data in the “DMX Channel / Format” diagram changes to reflect changes made in the “Planned for” line. While in LOOK FORWARD mode, selecting and activating the EXIT function will return the user to virtual DMX channel 500.

Multiple virtual channels can be provided. For example, channels 47 to 55 may contain a near-on-demand video service (NOVD) accessed through virtual channel 47 and channels 56-70 may contain a video game service accessed through channel virtual 56. Other entertainment services, for example interactive video entertainment services, may also be offered through virtual channels and controlled by means of keys on the remote control 40. Information services, for example news, sports, weather or financial information services, may also be offered through virtual channels and be controlled by means of keys on the remote control 40. The operation of these multiple virtual channels is substantially the same as that described with respect to the virtual DMX channel. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that some features may not apply to all virtual channels, and that certain virtual channels will have unique features. For example, the LISTEN function described above could be replaced by a WATCH function in a NOVD service, so that while the user surfs through NOVD channels in the NOVD service, he would see and hear a small sequence of the video broadcast on each channel. in a small video window provided on NOVD's virtual channel.

The FLIP and BROWSE modes described above can also be used when the user has accessed a service through a virtual channel. For example, while the user is sequencing through the DMX service, FLIP mode will display the audio program currently being received on each channel, as shown in Fig. 47. Similarly, while sequencing through the NOVD service, the FLIP mode will allow the visualization of the program and the start time on each channel. In video game channels, the name of each game will be displayed and in text services, the name of the service will be displayed, as well as the type of information associated with it. Additional useful information may also be included, such as the price of the service.

The BROWSE mode can also be used to display selections from muasic, programs, or other material available for the future as you sequence through each service. In the case of the DMX service, the current song to be played at a future time can be displayed, or alternatively, to express the problem of unauthorized copies, when viewing schedules for a future time, only the type of muasic will be displayed. planned for reception on each DMX channel.

In addition to the Channel Preference and Favorite Channel keys, the remote control 40 may also be provided with various user-activated category preference icon keys, for example, movie, sports or children's programming. The system may be adapted to present to the user only those programs that meet a particular category of preference when activated by the user. As with the Channel Preference icons, the microcontroller can display the icon corresponding to the activated preference category, to remind the user of the currently activated mode of system operation.

The icon 162 to mark questions on the right side furthest from the third horizontal bar of the menu in Figure 16, identifies a "Help" mode of the program guide system, in which the user is presented with information that explains the operation. of the system. Again, by operating the cursor with the use of appropriate keys on the remote control, the user can select this mode. Once selected, the submenu that appears in the Help mode prompts the user to identify the particular portion of the system on which the user would like to view the Help information.

The icons that appear on the horizontal bar in MENU mode^to , identify interactive and / or other types of information services that the programming system, which acts as input, makes available to the user as shown in Figure 17. With the handling of the cursor, the user can select any one of the identified services, as shown in Figures 31-35.

For example, if the user initially selects the “X * PRESS” icon that appears on the last horizontal bar, a submenu is displayed such as the one shown in Figure 31. Using the arrow keys direction arrow and enter on the remote control, the user selects one of the three inputs that appear in the visualization of Figure 31. Once a particular input has been selected, the electronic program guide connects the user to the selected service and passes control to the particular service application software, as shown in Figures 32-35.

Alternatively, the remote control 40 may be provided with a plurality of content-specific keys, corresponding to a plurality of content-specific programming categories, for example, a Sports key, a News key, a Movies key, etc. . When the user presses a content-specific key, a control mode is initialized.

ES 2 had specific. In Figure 4, the remote control has been provided with a Sports key 49. If the user presses the Sports key 49, the microcontroller will limit the presentation of programs and / or program planning information, to here those related to sports. The microcontroller will block other programming and planning information from appearing on the television receiver. The microcontroller can be adapted to distinguish programs and planning information that are related to sports, by examining an appropriate code associated with the program or planning information.

As discussed above, encoding can be accompanied by the use of any of several methods, such as by intruding an appropriate code into the vertical blanking interval of the program signal, or into a memory location. appropriate, or if the planning information was being received on a broadcast network, including it in an appropriate blanking interval. The user activates a specific content mode by pressing the appropriate content specific key, in any operating mode of the electronic program guide, including FLIP, BROWSE or MENU modes.^íMAIN described above, as well as when no planning information is being displayed, and only a program signal is visible on a television receiver. Once a specific content mode has been requested by the user, the microcontroller directly and immediately enables the specific content scheduling criteria and maintains them during all guide operating modes until they are disabled. which can be accompanied, for example, by the movement of the Sports key 49.

Instead of a dedicated content-specific key, such as the Sports key 49, the system can be configured with a simple generic content-specific key, which when activated causes the microcontroller to present a specific content menu, containing a list of specific content categories available to the user. The user could then brightly illuminate a particular category by operating the selection cursor, using the directional arrow keys on the remote control and selecting it by pressing the ENTER or OK key 44. As an alternative to using a specific content key on the remote control, access to the specific content menu can be made by providing an identifier on another menu screen of the electronic guide, such as on the LOCATOR screens, PREPARATION or MAIN MENU.

In addition to blocking all unselected specific content programming, when a particular category of specific content has been selected, the microcontroller may be programmed to enable all programming or value-added services that are specifically related to the content category.

291 T3 44 specific selected. For example, if the user activates a specific Sports content mode, the microcontroller, in addition to allowing only the programming related to sports programming to be displayed, will proactively select and enable all sports related to value-added services, such as video or trivia games, updated scores while the game is in progress, team projects, repetitions of previous games of the selected teams or players, purchase of tickets or purchase of gifts, etc. In this way, the information available from the programming or service can be integrated into the environment of the electronic program guide. Instead of simply passing control to another service as described above, in this way the electronic program guide could function as a system integrator or interface to combine the value-added information available in a package within the environment. of electronic guide, thus essentially creating a series of electronic modular program applications, corresponding to a variety of available categories of specific content.

The Setup screen shown in Figure 40 also includes a 275 Text Location category, which contains the textual entries “Bottom of Screen” and “Top of Screen”. Screen"). Navigating to category 275 of Text Localization, with the use of the up and down direction keys 43A, on the remote control 40, and to any of the “Upper” or “Lower” entries of that category, with using the left or right arrow keys 43B on the remote control and then pressing the selection key 44 or enter, the user can control the position of the overlapping windows used to present the information in various operating modes of the electronic program guide. The Setup screen in Figure 40 provides the user with two positional options: the top or the bottom of the screen. Depending on the modes of operation of the program guide, it may be desirable to provide the user with more positional options in the viewing area of ​​the television receiver, or to provide the user with the ability to choose a different position for the information displayed from the different modes. operational.

One of the novel characteristics of the invention that has been described consists of the text coupling system. The preferred embodiment of the text coupling system includes an interactive computer program, used to edit the data in the program listings prior to it being transmitted to the user and stored in memory. The interactive system operates as follows: the information from unedited (or partially edited) program listings is loaded into a data processor. Data includes program titles, program planning hours, duration, category, as well as additional descriptive information dependent on the type of program.

IS 2 173 291 T3

For example, for movies the data includes the MPAA rating, the year of the movie, if it is black and white, and a list of leading actors and actresses.

The data processor extracts only the program title data, which includes the titles of television programs, as well as titles of movies, sporting events, and titles for other special events. Based on the duration of the program, the data processor first analyzes the listing data to determine which grid size listings are needed for each title. Thus, a two-hour movie may require four different edited titles to fit into each of the four different sized grid cells (30, 60, 90, 120 minutes). The data processor then determines how much space is needed to display the title based on its character length. If the title is to be presented in the program planning grid with the use of a font and a proportional character for character profiling, the data processor may also take these factors into consideration for the determination of the space required for the presentation. of a title. The determination could then be based on the number of pixel required for the particular combination of characters in the title. The amount of space available for the display of a title depends on the size of the grid cell and the space required for the display of icons, when it is active.

If the data processor determines that a full title needs too much space to fit in one or more grid cells, the title is then presented to the editor using a suitable display device, connected to the data processor, such as a CRT. . The editor is then asked to modify the title so that it fits in the allocated space. If the title must be edited for more than one cell size, the editor is required to edit each of them separately. In the preferred embodiment of the interactive program, the editor has rendered in real time if the edited title is to be docked in the designed grid cell.

In the preferred embodiment, two lines of text are displayed in each grid cell of the program listings. The title will continue to be edited, it appears on the first line and, if necessary, continues on the second line. The decision to fold to the second line is based on whether there are natural interruptions in the title, such as spaces between words, commas, periods, hyphens, etc. These are standard techniques used in word processing software routines. The editor may also be required to edit a title in a situation where the entire title fits into two mapped lines, but a guide is required because there are no natural breaks in the title.

Before prompting the publisher to cut a title, the data processor compares the title to a stored library of abbreviated titles, to determine if the title has previously been abbreviated while editing another listing database. Every time editor changes are made to a title, the shortened title is added to the library. It is clear that this short title library training process greatly reduces the manual input required.

A flow diagram illustrating the process by which the text coupling system operates is shown in Figure 42. The diagram illustrates the operation of editing a listing for the presentation of a program grid for a simple platform, but the operation is the same for all platforms.

Text editing may be necessary in other situations, in addition to using grid cells of multiple sizes for the presentation of the same title. For example, the described program guide may run on several different platforms, each having different limitations and availability of grid cell space. Some cannot present text in proportional fonts, and some may have other limitations that reduce available space. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the interactive program may require edits for all platforms for which they are required at the same time. Additionally, text editing may be required for display modes other than a grid of program listings. For example, in the “Listings by Channel” presentation in Figure 20, the programs have been listed in a full, fixed-length line, but the length of the line may vary from platform to platform. so that the text coupling system can be used with the purpose of editing lists for the different platforms also in this presentation mode. The space available for the presentation of the text will also depend on how much space is reserved for the presentation of the icon. The same process that is represented in Figure 42 could be applied, except that there will be no need to determine which grid sizes are necessary, since a fixed-length line is used to present, on the contrary, cells of grid with multiple sizes.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described text adaptation system has applications that go beyond title editing only. The system can be easily modified to provide message editing, “i” screen history lists, pay-per-view promotional copy, and similar text messages, so that they fit the designated space available for the display of the text. In fact, the system can be used to edit any text, for its display in the program planning system that has been described.

The computer program for the microcontroller 16 may also include a schedule for the presentation of variable background views in which the program schedule information overlaps, either partially or in a full screen display. Background views can be stored as bitmaps in memory or on another storage medium, such as an optical storage device. For example, the microcontrol

ES 2 lador 16 may be programmed to generate a command to the VDG each morning at 6:00 AM, to present a sunrise in the background. The background can then be suitably changed throughout the day to show, for example, a blue sky or night vision. It can also vary, for example, the time of day, day of the week, month, year or season. The background of the mode could also change, depending on the particular scheduling category that the user is pending, or to which the selected scheduling information belongs. The background of the mode can also be adapted to present scenes that reflect the particular viewing area in which the user is located, such as the Rocky Mountains or Mount Rainier, etc. It may also be possible to present standard scenes, such as an image of an ocean or a jungle. Furthermore, the audio background could also be set to relate to a particular background that is currently being displayed. Additionally, different background views can be used for holidays and special events, such as Christmas, the Fourth of July, Superbowl Sunday, etc. The purpose of background views is to help simplify the monotony of viewing program listings. The microcontroller 16 could be adapted to automatically coordinate the display of the background of the mode. The user could also be provided with the ability to choose between various mode background displays by adapting the microcontroller to the display of

291 T3 48 an option menu appropriately that lists the background options so available to the user, and that allows the user to select one or more with the operation of the selection cursor. Access to such a mode option menu could be achieved by supplying an appropriate identifier, textual or visual, in an appropriate system menu, such as the LOCATOR or SETUP screen.

Additionally, the electronic program guide could be configured to store a single digital identifier for each program, along with its planning information and subsequent use of the identifier, for example by transmitting it, to indicate to a storage or recording device, such as a recorder. video, that the user wants to record the program. The program guide could also use the identifier to automatically control the operation of the video recorder. The electronic program guide could also be configured to use other stored planning information for this purpose.

The form and content of a particular computer program, to implement the invention described herein, will result. readily apparent to experts in the field of graphics and video system programming. A flow chart showing the operational logic of the system has been represented in Figure 36. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one can depart from the specific embodiment described herein, without thereby departing from the scope of the appended claims.